Image Source: Agencies

July 5, 2025: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday described Jammu and Kashmir as the “crown jewel” of India and appealed to the general public to visit the Union Territory without fear.
"I want to let everyone know that the people here are eager to greet you with hearts full of love and warmth." Come here without fear and set a new example of love and brotherhood,” Chouhan said.
On the sidelines of the sixth convocation of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development spoke to reporters. The convocation was also attended by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Following the terrorist attack on Pahalgam on April 22, in which 25 tourists and a local pony operator were killed, Chouhan's appeal comes against the backdrop of a decline in tourism. Speaking at the gathering, Chouhan said, “I’ve been in Srinagar since yesterday. The cool breeze, the fragrance of the soil, the natural beauty, and the warmth of the people have truly touched my heart. Jammu and Kashmir is the crown jewel of India and truly a heaven on earth.”
He also shared his experience of visiting Dal Lake and taking a shikara ride. “When a shikara wala said, "Mama, ask the people to come here," it was an emotional moment for me. Our hearts are overflowing with affection for them. It was deeply touching,” he said.
The Union Minister said he held meetings with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss agriculture and rural development initiatives in the Union Territory. “We had extensive discussions on accelerating Jammu and Kashmir’s development,” Chouhan said.
He went on to say that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is committed to creating a "Viksit Bharat" and that the vision of a prosperous Jammu and Kashmir with empowered farmers is essential. “We are fully committed to this goal,” he said.
Chouhan said that the Center is working to turn Jammu and Kashmir into a center for horticulture and has approved a Clean Plant Centre for apples, almonds, and walnuts worth Rs150 million. “Farmers need good-quality, disease-free plants and this centre will provide that. Private nursery owners will also be eligible for subsidies. Additionally, a saffron tissue culture laboratory will be established, he stated. He noted that apple productivity in 5,000 hectares of orchards has risen from 10 tonnes per hectare to 60 tonnes, a six-fold increase. Chouhan stated, "I want Kashmiri apples to be exported worldwide." Chouhan encouraged students to start new businesses and create cutting-edge technologies to boost the agricultural industry. He also shared his recent visit to border villages alongside scientists and the J&K Agriculture Minister, emphasising the importance of extending development to the most remote areas.
Chouhan praised SKUAST-K’s accomplishments and expressed confidence that the university would soon become the top-ranking agricultural university in the country. Nearly 5,250 students were awarded undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD degrees at the convocation.